Strong Georgia squad deals Golden Eagles 72-46 road loss

Dec 04, 2008

ATHENS, Ga. -- Finishing up a tough three-game road trip with a
72-46 loss at the University of Georgia Wednesday night, the
Tennessee Tech women's basketball team can now turn its full
attention to the Ohio Valley Conference schedule which begins
Saturday in Eblen Center.

The Golden Eagles (1-6) will host Jacksonville State at 5:30 p.m.
in the first game of an OVC doubleheader.

On Wednesday, Georgia's Angela Puleo posted game-high tallies of 13
points, seven assists and three steals to lead the Lady Bulldogs
(7-1) to the 26-point victory before a crowd of 3,042 at Stegeman
Coliseum.

While Tech didn't have a lot of scoring in the game, what the
Golden Eagles did have was balanced. Senior Blair Bowens led with
nine points, Allison Price had eight, Jasmine White seven and
freshman Krystal Stirrup six points. Tech shot 26.7 percent from
the field and the two teams combined to miss 92 shots, and the
Bulldogs had a 50-42 advantage in rebounds. Stirrup and White had
seven rebounds each to top Tech.

"We played Georgia Tech Sunday and lost by 12 points, so we thought
we were prepared for this game," said Golden Eagle coach Amy Brown.
"We came into the game very hyped. It's an honor to play here. But
no matter what conference you're playing, what they're ranked or
who they are, you have to be ready to play.

"Our effort wasn't consistent tonight," she added. "We were doing
well at times, but we just weren't consistent. We just came off the
road, so we've played many games like Georgia has, so I'm sure both
teams had some tired legs. Georgia is just bigger, they have more
depth and they are very aggressive. We are short and quick and they
are tall and quick, so that is the difference."

Christy Marshall also reached double figures for Georgia with 12
points, along with nine rebounds. Porsha Phillips added nine points
and nine rebounds to help UGA coach Andy Landers to the win over
his alma mater.

"Coach Landers was coaching when I played at Louisiana Tech and
since Tennessee Tech is his alma mater, his picture hangs in our
building," said TTU head coach AMy Brown. "I have always looked up
to Coach Landers as both a Coach and a mentor. I always follow
Georgia Basketball because they are a great team and have a great
coach."

"Georgia is very athletic and big in size. And when you have those
two things together you will be good. I mean, you have Ashley Houts
at point guard and you have Marshall drive and Puleo on the
outside, I mean, that starting five is good. I know they will have
a great season and do well in the post season. I just hate we
didn't give them a good game tonight."

Landers thought his team controlled the pace of the action.

"In the first half, we shifted gears and went up a speed on
offense," Landers said. "We were playing faster, and that is
certainly a good thing. This is the fastest we have played in four
years. This is the best running team we have had in four
years."

The Golden Eagles scored the first basket of the second half to
pull within 15; however, the Lady Bulldogs responded with an 8-0
run and never allowed Tech closer than 20 points thereafter.

The lead topped out at 34 points (69-35) on a steal and layin by
Jaleesa Rhoden with 5:32 remaining.

Georgia has now won five games in the last eight days by an average
of 29.0 points per game.

Tickets for Saturday's OVC opener are on sale at the Athletics
Ticket Office in Eblen Center or by calling (931) 372-3940.